During the Warring States period, the State of Zhao obtained a rare and precious jade - He Shi Bi. When the King of Qin heard about it, he wrote a letter to the King of Zhao, expressing his willingness to exchange it for fifteen cities. After discussing with his ministers, the King of Zhao felt very troubled. If he gave He Shi Bi to the King of Qin, he was afraid that the King of Qin would break his word and not give the cities; if he didn't give it, he was afraid that the King of Qin would use this as an excuse to attack Zhao.
At this time, Lin Xiangru stepped forward. He said to the King of Zhao, "Your Majesty, let me take He Shi Bi to the State of Qin. If the King of Qin really exchanges it for fifteen cities, I will give He Shi Bi to him; if he plays tricks, I will surely bring He Shi Bi back intact." Seeing that Lin Xiangru was so brave and determined, the King of Zhao agreed. Lin Xiangru then took He Shi Bi to the State of Qin.
The King of Qin received Lin Xiangru in Zhangtai Palace. Lin Xiangru respectfully presented He Shi Bi. After taking He Shi Bi, the King of Qin was so fond of it that he couldn't put it down. He also showed it to the beauties and ministers around him, but he didn't mention anything about the fifteen cities at all. Lin Xiangru saw this and knew in his heart that the King of Qin had no sincerity for the exchange at all.
So, Lin Xiangru stepped forward and said to the King of Qin, "Although this He Shi Bi looks very beautiful, there is a small flaw. Let me show it to Your Majesty." Believing it was true, the King of Qin handed He Shi Bi to Lin Xiangru. After getting He Shi Bi, Lin Xiangru stepped back a few steps, leaned against a pillar, and angrily said to the King of Qin, "Your Majesty, you have no sincerity to exchange for it with fifteen cities at all. Now He Shi Bi is in my hands. If you force me, I will smash it against this pillar together with this jade!"
Afraid that Lin Xiangru would really smash He Shi Bi, the King of Qin quickly apologized and asked someone to bring out a map, pretending to mark out fifteen cities. Lin Xiangru knew that the King of Qin was still deceiving him, so he said, "He Shi Bi is a rare treasure. Before the King of Zhao sent He Shi Bi to the State of Qin, he fasted for five days. Your Majesty should also fast for five days and then hold a grand exchange ceremony." Having no choice, the King of Qin had to agree. Lin Xiangru knew that the King of Qin would not keep his promise, so during the five days when the King of Qin was fasting, he sent someone to secretly take He Shi Bi back to Zhao. After the fasting was over, Lin Xiangru said to the King of Qin, "He Shi Bi has been sent back to Zhao by me. If Your Majesty is really sincere, first cede fifteen cities to Zhao, and Zhao will surely send He Shi Bi here. Otherwise, it's useless even if you kill me." Seeing that Lin Xiangru was so brave and witty, the King of Qin had to let him return to his country. In this way, Lin Xiangru, with his wisdom and courage, returned He Shi Bi intact to Zhao.
